Publication

This paper explores al-Qaeda's organization, leaders, doctrine and their radical ideologies. The author argues that the war the US must fight is one against Islamist transnational actors who openly engage in terrorism or support terrorism. He highlights that US current national and military strategies to combat terrorism are inadequate to take on an ideologically emboldened transnational foe. Therefore, the paper emphasizes the need to refocus efforts and prepare to fight a war of several generations. Finally, the author recommends several initiatives, including the development of a cogent grand national strategy.